JP2019174691A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge are easily exchanged. An image forming apparatus includes a drum cartridge detachable from an opening of a housing, a toner cartridge detachable from the drum cartridge, a closed position covering a part of the opening, and an opening. The first cover 110 pivots between an open position to open a part of the first cover 110, a closed position in which the first cover 110 is arranged and covers the remaining part of the opening 23, and the remaining part of the opening 23 is opened And a second cover 120 that rotates between the open position and the open position. When the first cover 110 is in the open position and the second cover 120 is in the closed position, the attachment / detachment of the toner cartridge 9 from the drum cartridge 8 through a part of the opening 23 is permitted. When the first cover 110 is in the open position and the second cover 120 is in the closed position, a part of the second cover 120 comes into contact with the drum cartridge 8 and does not permit the attachment / detachment of the drum cartridge 8 from the housing 2. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a drum cartridge.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus in which a drum cartridge can be attached and detached, a toner cartridge can be further attached and detached from the drum cartridge, and the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge can be individually replaced (see Patent Document 1). When only the toner cartridge is replaced, the toner cartridge is removed from the drum cartridge after the drum cartridge is removed from the image forming apparatus.

JP 2006-184502 A

  However, in the prior art, when the user replaces only the toner cartridge, it is necessary to remove the drum cartridge in which the toner cartridge is mounted from the image forming apparatus.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge can be easily replaced.

In order to achieve the above-described object, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a housing having an opening, and a drum cartridge that is detachable from the opening and is rotatable about a first shaft extending in the axial direction. A drum cartridge, a toner cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the drum cartridge, the toner cartridge having a case that can store toner, and a first cover that can be rotated about a second shaft that extends in the axial direction. A first cover that rotates between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that opens a part of the opening, and a second cover that is aligned with the first cover in the axial direction and is rotatable about the second axis. And a second cover that rotates between a closed position that covers the remaining part of the opening and an open position that opens the remaining part of the opening.
In the image forming apparatus, when the first cover is in the open position and the second cover is in the open position, the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge are detachable through the opening.
In the image forming apparatus, when the first cover is in the open position and the second cover is in the closed position, the toner is removed from the drum cartridge through a part of the opening in a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing. Allow the cartridge to be attached or removed.
In the image forming apparatus, when the first cover is in the open position and the second cover is in the closed position, a part of the second cover comes into contact with the drum cartridge, and the housing is formed through a part of the opening. The drum cartridge is not allowed to be attached or detached.

  According to such a configuration, the drum cartridge can be attached and detached when both the first cover and the second cover are opened. When only the first cover is opened, only the toner cartridge can be detached from the drum cartridge. Therefore, when replacing the toner cartridge, it is not necessary to detach the drum cartridge. Furthermore, if only the first cover is opened, a part of the second cover comes into contact with the drum cartridge, and the drum cartridge is not allowed to be attached / detached from the housing, so that the user cannot mistakenly attach / detach the drum cartridge. As a result, the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge can be easily exchanged from the image forming apparatus.

  In the above-described image forming apparatus, the first cover and the second cover may be front covers.

  According to this, the user can operate from the front side when opening and closing either the first cover or the second cover.

  In the above-described image forming apparatus, a second lock mechanism that can be switched between a locked state in which the second cover is locked to the housing and an unlocked state in which the second cover is not locked in the housing in the state where the second cover is in the closed position. It is good also as a structure provided.

  According to this, it is possible to suppress the opening of the second cover when the toner cartridge is attached or detached.

  The image forming apparatus described above may include a first lock mechanism that can switch the first cover in the closed position between a locked state in which the first cover is locked to the housing and an unlocked state in which the first cover is not locked to the housing.

  According to this, it is possible to suppress the opening of the first cover when the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are not attached and detached.

  The image forming apparatus described above may include a third lock mechanism that can switch the first cover between a locked state in which the first cover is locked to the second cover and an unlocked state in which the first cover is not locked.

  According to this, it is possible to suppress the opening of the first cover when the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge are not attached and detached.

  The above-described image forming apparatus further includes a control unit, and the control unit is determined to be the replacement timing of the toner cartridge by the first determination process for determining whether it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge and the first determination process. In this case, the first process for setting the second lock mechanism to the locked state may be executed.

  According to this, the second cover can be locked when it is determined that it is time to replace the toner cartridge. Thus, when replacing the toner cartridge, only the toner cartridge can be attached and detached by opening only the first cover.

  In the above-described image forming apparatus, the control unit determines whether it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge, and determines that it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge by the second determination processing and the second determination processing. It is good also as a structure which performs the 2nd process which makes a mechanism non-locking state.

  According to this, when it is determined that it is time to replace the drum cartridge, the second cover can be brought into an unlocked state. Thereby, when exchanging a drum cartridge, a drum cartridge can be attached or detached.

  In the above-described image forming apparatus, the control unit unlocks the second lock mechanism when it is determined by the third determination process that determines whether the paper is jammed and the third determination process is the paper jam. It is good also as a structure which performs the 3rd process made into a state.

  According to this, when it determines with it being a paper jam state, a 2nd cover can be made into an unlocked state. Thus, the drum cartridge can be attached and detached when the paper jam occurs.

  The above-described image forming apparatus further includes a control unit, and the control unit is determined to be the replacement timing of the toner cartridge by the first determination process for determining whether it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge and the first determination process. In such a case, a fourth process may be performed in which the first lock mechanism is set to an unlocked state and the second lock mechanism is set to a locked state.

  According to this, when it is determined that it is time to replace the toner cartridge, the first cover can be unlocked and the second cover can be locked. For this reason, the user can attach and detach only the toner cartridge without making a mistake with the drum cartridge.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, when the control unit determines that it is the drum cartridge replacement timing by the second determination process for determining whether it is the drum cartridge replacement timing and the second determination process, the first lock is performed. It is good also as a structure which performs the 5th process which makes a mechanism a non-locking state and makes a 2nd locking mechanism a non-locking state.

  According to this, when it is determined that it is time to replace the drum cartridge, the first cover can be unlocked and the second cover can be unlocked. For this reason, the user can attach and detach the drum cartridge without making a mistake with the toner cartridge.

  In the image forming apparatus described above, the control unit unlocks the first lock mechanism when it is determined that the paper is jammed by the third judgment process for judging whether the paper is jammed or the third judgment process. It is good also as a structure which performs a 6th process which sets it as a state and makes a 2nd locking mechanism an unlocked state.

  According to this, when it is determined that the paper is jammed, the first cover can be brought into the unlocked state and the second cover can be brought into the unlocked state. For this reason, the user can attach and detach the drum cartridge without making a mistake with the toner cartridge.

  The above-described image forming apparatus further includes a control unit, and the control unit is determined to be the replacement timing of the toner cartridge by the first determination process for determining whether it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge and the first determination process. In such a case, the seventh process may be executed to place the second lock mechanism in the locked state and the third lock mechanism in the unlocked state.

  According to this, the second cover can be locked when it is determined that it is time to replace the toner cartridge. Thus, when replacing the toner cartridge, only the toner cartridge can be attached and detached by opening only the first cover.

  In the above-described image forming apparatus, the control unit determines whether it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge, and determines that it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge by the second determination processing and the second determination processing. It may be configured to execute the eighth process of setting the mechanism to the unlocked state and setting the third lock mechanism to the locked state.

  According to this, when it is determined that it is time to replace the drum cartridge, the first cover can be unlocked and the second cover can be locked with respect to the first cover. For this reason, the user can open both the first cover and the second cover together, regardless of whether the first cover or the second cover is operated. Therefore, the drum cartridge can be attached and detached without making a mistake with the toner cartridge.

  In the above-described image forming apparatus, the control unit unlocks the second lock mechanism when it is determined by the third determination process that determines whether the paper is jammed and the third determination process is the paper jam. It is good also as a structure which performs the 9th process which makes a 3rd locking mechanism into a locked state while setting it to a state.

  According to this, when it is determined that the paper is jammed, the first cover can be unlocked and the second cover can be locked with respect to the first cover. For this reason, the user can open both the first cover and the second cover together, regardless of whether the first cover or the second cover is operated. Therefore, the drum cartridge can be attached and detached without making a mistake with the toner cartridge.

  According to the present invention, the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge can be easily exchanged from the image forming apparatus.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus. It is the figure (a) which opened the 1st cover from the state of Drawing 3, and the figure (b) which opened the 1st cover and the 2nd cover. It is a figure which shows the locked state (a) and non-locked state (b) of a cover. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (a) of the state in which the drum cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, and a view (b) of when only the toner cartridge is removed from the state of FIG. It is the figure which showed when the drum cartridge was removed in the state which opened the 1st cover and the 2nd cover. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a control part. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 4 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control part in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control part in 3rd Embodiment.

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 of a monochrome laser printer mainly includes a housing 2, a feeder unit 3, an image forming unit 4, and a control unit 100. The feeder unit 3 supplies the recording sheet S into the housing 2. The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the recording sheet S.

  The housing 2 has an opening 23, a first cover 110, and a second cover 120. The opening 23 is located on the front surface of the housing 2.

  The feeder unit 3 includes a supply tray 31 and a supply mechanism 32. The supply tray 31 is detachably attached to the lower part of the housing 2. The supply mechanism 32 feeds the recording sheet S in the supply tray 31 toward the image forming unit 4.

  The image forming unit 4 includes a scanner unit 5, a process cartridge 6, and a fixing device 7.

  The scanner unit 5 is provided in an upper part of the housing 2 and includes a laser light emitting unit, a polygon mirror, a lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like (not shown). In this scanner unit 5, a laser beam is irradiated on the surface of a photosensitive drum 81 described later at high speed scanning.

  The process cartridge 6 is mounted between the feeder unit 3 and the scanner unit 5. The process cartridge 6 includes a drum cartridge 8 and a toner cartridge 9. The toner cartridge 9 can be attached to and detached from the drum cartridge 8. The drum cartridge 8 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening 23 as the process cartridge 6 with the toner cartridge 9 mounted.

  The drum cartridge 8 mainly includes a drum frame 80 on which the toner cartridge 9 can be mounted, a photosensitive drum 81, a transfer roller 82, and a charger 83. (See also FIG. 2) The photosensitive drum 81 is rotatable about a first axis X1 extending in the axial direction.

  The toner cartridge 9 mainly includes a case 90 that can store toner therein, a developing roller 91, and a supply roller 92. The developing roller 91 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 81. The supply roller 92 supplies the toner in the case 90 to the developing roller 91.

  In the process cartridge 6, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 81 is uniformly charged by the charger 83 and then exposed by high-speed scanning of the laser beam from the scanner unit 5. As a result, the potential of the exposed portion is lowered, and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 81.

  Next, as the developing roller 91 rotates, the toner in the toner cartridge 9 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 81, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 81. Thereafter, the recording sheet S is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 81 and the transfer roller 82, whereby the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 81 is transferred onto the recording sheet S.

  The fixing device 7 includes a heating roller 71 and a pressure roller 72. The pressure roller 72 is disposed to face the heating roller 71. In the fixing device 7, the toner transferred onto the recording sheet S is heat-fixed between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 by the recording sheet S.

  The recording sheet S thermally fixed by the fixing device 7 is conveyed to a paper discharge roller 24 disposed on the downstream side of the fixing device 7 and is sent out from the paper discharge roller 24 onto a paper discharge tray 25.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are disposed so as to cover the opening 23. The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are front covers.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the first cover 110 is rotatable about a second axis X2 extending in the axial direction. The first cover 110 rotates between a closed position that covers a part of the opening 23 (position shown in FIG. 3) and an open position that opens a part of the opening 23 (position shown in FIG. 4A). To do.

  The first cover 110 has a first recess 111. The first recess 111 engages with a first solenoid 151 described later to lock the first cover 110 to the housing 2.

  The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a first opening / closing sensor 131 and a first lock mechanism 141.

  The first open / close sensor 131 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 facing the first cover 110 of the housing 2. The first opening / closing sensor 131 detects opening / closing of the first cover 110. The first open / close sensor 131 is, for example, a push switch. Specifically, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the first cover 110 is in contact with the first open / close sensor 131, and when the first cover 110 is in the open position, the first cover 110 is in contact with the first open / close sensor 131. By not contacting, the opening and closing of the first cover 110 is detected. The detection result detected by the first opening / closing sensor 131 is output to the control unit 100 (see also FIG. 1).

  The first lock mechanism 141 is provided in the housing 2. The first lock mechanism 141 can be switched between a locked state in which the first cover 110 in the closed position is locked to the housing 2 and an unlocked state in which the first cover 110 is not locked to the housing 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first lock mechanism 141 has a first solenoid 151. The first solenoid 151 has a main body portion 151A and a movable portion 151B. When the first solenoid 151 is turned on, the movable portion 151B retracts into the main body portion 151A (FIG. 5B), and when the first solenoid 151 is turned OFF, the movable portion 151B protrudes from the main body portion 151A (FIG. 5A). It has become.

  When the first solenoid 151 is OFF, the movable portion 151 </ b> B is engaged with the first recess 111 of the first cover 110. As a result, the first cover 110 is locked to the housing 2 and is in a locked state. And as shown in FIG.5 (b), when the 1st solenoid 151 is ON, engagement with the movable part 151B and the 1st recessed part 111 is cancelled | released. As a result, the first cover 110 is brought into an unlocked state where the first cover 110 is not locked to the housing 2. The first cover 110 in the unlocked state is slightly moved from the closed position to the open position by its own weight or a spring (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, the second cover 120 is smaller than the first cover 110 in the axial direction. The second cover 120 is aligned with the first cover 110 in the axial direction. The second cover 120 is rotatable about the second axis X2. That is, in the present embodiment, the second cover 120 can rotate about the same axis as the first cover 110. The second cover 120 has a closed position that covers the remaining part of the opening 23 (position shown in FIG. 3) and an open position that opens the remaining part of the opening 23 (position shown in FIG. 4B). Rotate between.

  The second cover 120 has a second recess 121 and a protrusion 122. The second recess 121 engages with a second lock mechanism 142 described later to lock the second cover 120 to the housing 2. The protrusion 122 extends from the second cover 120 in the closed position toward the inside of the housing 2. The protrusion 122 can contact the drum cartridge 8 when the second cover 120 is in the closed position (see FIG. 6A).

  The image forming apparatus 1 further includes a second open / close sensor 132 and a second lock mechanism 142.

  The second open / close sensor 132 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 facing the second cover 120 of the housing 2. The second opening / closing sensor 132 detects opening / closing of the second cover 120. The second open / close sensor 132 is, for example, a push switch. Specifically, when the second cover 120 is in the closed position, the second cover 120 is in contact with the second open / close sensor 132, and when the second cover 120 is in the open position, the second cover 120 is in contact with the second open / close sensor 132. By not contacting, the opening / closing of the second cover 120 is detected. The detection result detected by the second opening / closing sensor 132 is output to the control unit 100 (see also FIG. 1).

  The second lock mechanism 142 is provided on the front frame 22. The second lock mechanism 142 can be switched between a locked state in which the second cover 120 in the closed position is locked to the housing 2 and an unlocked state in which the second cover 120 is not locked to the housing 2. Since the second locking mechanism 142 has the same configuration as the first locking mechanism 141, FIGS. 5A and 5B show the reference numerals of the constituent members side by side.

  The second lock mechanism 142 has a second solenoid 152. The second solenoid 152 has a main body portion 152A and a movable portion 152B. When the second solenoid 152 is turned on, the movable portion 152B is retracted into the main body portion 152A (FIG. 5B), and when the second solenoid 152 is turned off, the movable portion 152B protrudes from the main body portion 152A (FIG. 5A). .

  When the second solenoid 152 is OFF, the movable portion 152B is engaged with the second recess 121 of the second cover 120. Thereby, the second cover 120 is locked to the housing 2 and is in a locked state. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the second solenoid 152 is ON, the engagement between the movable portion 152B and the second recess 121 is released. As a result, the second cover 120 is not locked to the housing 2 and is in an unlocked state. The second cover 120 in the unlocked state is slightly moved from the closed position to the open position by its own weight or a spring (not shown).

  When the first cover 110 is in the closed position, the attachment / detachment path of the drum cartridge 8 and the toner cartridge 9 overlaps with the first cover 110, so that the drum cartridge 8 and the toner cartridge 9 cannot be attached / detached from the housing 2. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the first cover 110 is in the closed position and the second cover 120 is in the closed position, the image forming apparatus 1 moves from the housing 2 to the drum cartridge 8 and The toner cartridge 9 is not allowed to be attached or detached.

  When the second cover 120 is in the closed position, when the drum cartridge 8 is to be removed from the housing 2, the protrusion 122 that is a part of the second cover 120 comes into contact with the drum cartridge 8. Cannot be detached from the housing 2. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the first cover 110 is in the open position and the second cover 120 is in the closed position, the image forming apparatus 1 passes through a part of the opening 23 and the housing. The drum cartridge 8 is not allowed to be attached to or detached from the body 2.

  On the other hand, even when the second cover 120 is in the closed position, the attachment / detachment path of the toner cartridge 9 does not overlap with the second cover 120. Therefore, if the first cover 110 is in the open position, the toner cartridge 9 is attached / detached from the housing 2. Be able to. For this reason, when the first cover 110 is in the open position and the second cover 120 is in the closed position, the image forming apparatus 1 has one opening 23 in a state where the drum cartridge 8 is mounted on the housing 2. The toner cartridge 9 is allowed to be attached to and detached from the drum cartridge 8 through the unit.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the first cover 110 is in the open position and the second cover 120 is in the open position, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the drum cartridge 8 and the toner cartridge 9 through the opening 23. Detachable.

  The control unit 100 includes a CPU (processor), a RAM, a ROM (memory), an input / output circuit (not shown), and the like, a program and data stored in the ROM, a paper detection sensor 160, a first opening / closing sensor 131, and a second opening / closing. Opening and closing of the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 is controlled by operating the first solenoid 151 and the second solenoid 152 based on the output of the sensor 132 and the like.

  The control unit 100 can execute a first determination process, a second determination process, a third determination process, a fourth process, a fifth process, and a sixth process.

  The first determination process is a process for determining whether it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9. When it is determined by the first determination process that it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9, the control unit 100 sets the first lock mechanism 141 to the unlocked state and sets the second lock mechanism 142 to the locked state. Execute.

  The method for determining the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9 is not particularly limited. For example, light enters the case 90 of the toner cartridge 9 and a sensor connected to the control unit 100 detects the incident light. Based on the detected signal, the control unit 100 detects the toner in the toner cartridge 9. The remaining amount of toner may be estimated to determine the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9. In addition, the control unit 100 may determine whether the number of printed toner cartridges 9 has reached a predetermined number and determine the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9.

  The second determination process is a process for determining whether it is time to replace the drum cartridge 8. When it is determined by the second determination process that it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge 8, the control unit 100 sets the first lock mechanism 141 to the unlocked state and sets the second lock mechanism 142 to the unlocked state. Execute the process.

  The method for determining the replacement timing of the drum cartridge 8 is not particularly limited. For example, when it is determined that the driving time of the photosensitive drum 81 has reached a predetermined time, the control unit 100 can determine that it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge 8. The control unit 100 may determine that it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge 8 when it is determined that the number of printed drum cartridges 8 has reached a predetermined number.

  The third determination process is a process for determining whether a paper jam is present. When it is determined by the third determination process that the paper is jammed, the control unit 100 executes the sixth process for setting the first lock mechanism 141 to the unlocked state and the second lock mechanism 142 to the unlocked state. To do.

  In the present embodiment, the paper detection sensor 160 is used to determine whether the image forming apparatus 1 is jammed. As shown in FIG. 1, the paper detection sensor 160 is disposed between the photosensitive drum 81 and the fixing device 7. The paper detection sensor 160 detects the passage of the recording sheet S being conveyed. The paper detection sensor 160 outputs a detection result to the control unit 100 assuming that the recording sheet S is in a paper jam state when the recording sheet S is detected for a predetermined time or more. A plurality of paper detection sensors 160 may be arranged.

  Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail. The control unit 100 always repeatedly executes the flowchart shown in FIG. In a state before the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the first solenoid 151 and the second solenoid 152 are turned off. The control unit 100 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, the control unit 100 determines whether there is a power-off instruction (S1). In step S1, when the control unit 100 determines that there is an instruction to turn off the power (S1, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the power of the image forming apparatus 1 and ends this control.

  In step S1, when the control unit 100 determines that there is no power-off instruction (S1, No), the control unit 100 determines whether it is a drum cartridge replacement timing as the second determination process (S2).

  In step S2, when the control unit 100 determines that it is time to replace the drum cartridge (S2, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the fifth process and turns on the first solenoid 151 and the second solenoid 152. (S21). When the first solenoid 151 and the second solenoid 152 are turned on, the first lock mechanism 141 and the second lock mechanism 142 are released. Thereby, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are opened, and it is understood that the user needs to attach and detach the drum cartridge 8. The user may close the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 after replacing the drum cartridge 8. When the replacement timing of the drum cartridge 8 and the toner cartridge 9 is the same, the user may replace the toner cartridge 9 together with the drum cartridge 8.

  After step S21, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are closed (S22). In step S22, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are not closed (S22, No), the control unit 100 closes the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. Wait until.

  In step S22, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are closed (S22, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the first solenoid 151 and the second solenoid 152 (S23). ). As a result, the first lock mechanism 141 and the second lock mechanism 142 are locked, and the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are locked to the housing 2. After step S23, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S2, when the control unit 100 determines that it is not time to replace the drum cartridge 8 (S2, No), the control unit 100 determines whether it is time to replace the toner cartridge 9 as the first determination process (step S2). S3).

  In step S3, when the control unit 100 determines that it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9 (S3, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the fourth process and turns on the first solenoid 151 (S31). The second solenoid 152 remains off. When the first solenoid 151 is turned on, the first lock mechanism 141 is released. As a result, only the first cover 110 is opened. When only the first cover 110 is opened, the user knows that it is time to replace the toner cartridge 9. The user may close the first cover 110 after replacing the toner cartridge 9.

  After step S31, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 110 is closed (S32). In step S32, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 is not closed (S23, No), the control unit 100 waits until the first cover 110 is closed.

  In step S32, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 is closed (S32, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the first solenoid 151 (S33). As a result, the first lock mechanism 141 is locked, and the first cover 110 is locked to the housing 2. After step S33, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S3, when the control unit 100 determines that it is not the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9 (S3, No), the control unit 100 determines whether there is a print job (S4). In step S4, when the control unit 100 determines that there is no print job (S4, No), the control unit 100 waits until a print job comes.

  In step S4, when the control unit 100 determines that there is a print job (S4, Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether there is a paper jam as the third determination process (S5). If the control unit 100 determines in step S5 that the paper jam is not occurring (S5, No), the process returns to step S1.

  In step S5, when the control unit 100 determines that the paper is jammed (S5, Yes), the control unit 100 executes a sixth process to turn on the first solenoid 151 and the second solenoid 152 (S51). ). When the first solenoid 151 and the second solenoid 152 are turned on, the first lock mechanism 141 and the second lock mechanism 142 are released. Thereby, the 1st cover 110 and the 2nd cover 120 open. When the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are opened, the user knows that the drum cartridge 8 needs to be attached and detached. After the user removes the drum cartridge 8 and clears the paper jam, the user can attach the drum cartridge 8 and close the first cover 110 and the second cover 120.

  After step S51, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are closed (S52). In step S52, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are not closed (S52, No), the control unit 100 closes the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. Wait until.

  In step S52, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are closed (S52, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the first solenoid 151 and the second solenoid 152 ( S53), the process returns to step S1. As a result, the first lock mechanism 141 and the second lock mechanism 142 are locked, and the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are locked to the housing 2.

  The effects of the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

  The image forming apparatus 1 can attach and detach the drum cartridge 8 by opening both the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. When only the first cover 110 is opened, only the toner cartridge 9 can be attached and detached. For this reason, when the toner cartridge 9 is replaced, it is not necessary to detach the drum cartridge 8 from the trouble. Furthermore, if only the first cover 110 is opened, the user will not mistakenly attach or detach the drum cartridge 8. As a result, the toner cartridge 9 and the drum cartridge 8 can be easily exchanged from the image forming apparatus 1.

  Further, since both the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are front covers, the user can operate from the front side when opening and closing either cover.

  In addition, since the second cover 120 that can be switched between a locked state in which the second cover 120 in the closed position is locked to the housing 2 and an unlocked state in which the second cover 120 is not locked to the housing 2 is provided. It is possible to prevent the second cover 120 from opening when attaching and detaching.

  Further, since the first cover 110 in the closed position can be switched between a locked state in which the first cover 110 is locked to the housing 2 and an unlocked state in which the first cover 110 is not locked to the housing 2 is provided, the toner cartridge 9 is provided. When the drum cartridge 8 is not attached or detached, the opening of the first cover 110 can be suppressed.

  In addition, when the control unit 100 determines that it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9, the control unit 100 sets the first cover 110 to the unlocked state and the second cover 120 to the locked state. Therefore, the user can attach and detach only the toner cartridge 9 without making a mistake with the drum cartridge 8. In addition, when the first cover 110 that is in the unlocked state is slightly opened, the user can be notified of the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9.

  In addition, when the control unit 100 determines that it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge 8, the control unit 100 sets the first cover 110 to the unlocked state and the second cover 120 to the unlocked state. Therefore, the user can attach and detach the drum cartridge 8 without making a mistake with the toner cartridge 9. In addition, the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 that are in the unlocked state are slightly opened to notify the user that the drum cartridge 8 needs to be attached and detached.

  In addition, when the control unit 100 determines that the paper is jammed, the control unit 100 sets the first cover 110 to the unlocked state and the second cover 120 to the unlocked state. As a result, when a paper jam occurs, the user can attach and detach the drum cartridge 8 without making a mistake with the toner cartridge 9. In addition, when the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 that have been unlocked are slightly opened, it is possible to notify the user that the drum cartridge 8 needs to be attached and detached.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. About a concrete structure, it can change suitably in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  In the embodiment described above, the first lock mechanism that locks the first cover to the housing is provided. However, instead of the first lock mechanism, the third lock mechanism that locks the first cover to the second cover is provided. It is good also as a structure provided.

  For example, the image forming apparatus 1 </ b> A according to the second embodiment includes a third lock mechanism 143 that locks the first cover 210 to the second cover 220, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The third lock mechanism 143 can be switched between a locked state in which the first cover 210 is locked to the second cover 220 and an unlocked state in which the first cover 210 is not locked.

The third lock mechanism 143 has a third solenoid 153 and a third recess 113. The third solenoid 153 has a main body portion 153A and a movable portion 153B. When the third solenoid 153 is turned on, the movable portion 153B retracts into the main body portion 153A, and when the third solenoid 153 is turned off, the movable portion 153B protrudes from the main body portion 153A.
When the third solenoid 153 is OFF, the movable portion 153B is engaged with the third recess 113. As a result, the first cover 210 is locked to the second cover 220 and is in a locked state. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the third solenoid 153 is ON, the engagement between the movable portion 153B and the third recess 113 is released. As a result, the first cover 210 is not locked to the second cover 220 and is in an unlocked state. In the present embodiment, when the third lock mechanism 143 is in the unlocked state, the first cover 210 is slightly moved from the closed position to the open position by its own weight or a spring (not shown).

  The control unit 100 according to the second embodiment can execute a seventh process, an eighth process, and a ninth process instead of the fourth process, the fifth process, and the sixth process of the first embodiment.

  When it is determined by the first determination process that it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9, the control unit 100 sets the second lock mechanism 142 to the locked state and sets the third lock mechanism 143 to the unlocked state. Execute.

  When it is determined by the second determination process that it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge 8, the control unit 100 sets the second lock mechanism 142 to the unlocked state and sets the third lock mechanism 143 to the locked state. Execute.

  When it is determined by the third determination process that the paper is jammed, the control unit 100 executes a ninth process for setting the second lock mechanism 142 to the unlocked state and setting the third lock mechanism 143 to the locked state. .

  Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 100 in the second embodiment will be described in detail. Since Step S1 to Step S5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, a part of the description is omitted. In the state before the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the second solenoid 152 and the third solenoid 153 are turned off.

  In step S2, when the control unit 100 determines that it is time to replace the drum cartridge (S2, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the eighth process and turns on the second solenoid 152 (S221). Note that the third solenoid 153 remains off. When the second solenoid 152 is turned on, the second lock mechanism 142 is released. At this time, since the third lock mechanism 143 remains OFF, the first cover 210 is opened together with the second cover 220 while being locked to the second cover 220. When the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are opened, it can be seen that the user needs to attach and detach the drum cartridge 8. The user may close the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 after replacing the drum cartridge 8. When the replacement timing of the drum cartridge 8 and the toner cartridge 9 is the same, the user may replace the toner cartridge 9 together with the drum cartridge 8.

  After step S221, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are closed (S222). In step S222, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are not closed (S222, No), the control unit 100 closes the first cover 210 and the second cover 220. Wait until.

  In step S222, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are closed (S222, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the second solenoid 152 (S223). As a result, the second lock mechanism 142 and the third lock mechanism 143 are locked, and the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are locked to the housing 2. After step S223, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S3, when the control unit 100 determines that it is the replacement timing of the toner cartridge 9 (S3, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the seventh process and turns on the third solenoid 153 (S231). Note that the second solenoid 152 remains OFF. When the third solenoid 153 is turned on, the third lock mechanism 143 is released. As a result, only the first cover 210 is opened. When only the first cover 210 is opened, the user knows that it is time to replace the toner cartridge 9. The user may close the first cover 210 after replacing the toner cartridge 9.

  After step S231, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 210 is closed (S232). In step S232, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 210 is not closed (S232, No), the control unit 100 waits until the first cover 210 is closed.

  In step S232, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 is closed (S232, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the third solenoid 153 (S233). As a result, the third lock mechanism 143 is locked, and the first cover 210 is locked to the second cover 220. After step S233, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S5, when the control unit 100 determines that the paper is jammed (S5, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the ninth process and turns on the second solenoid 152 (S251). Note that the third solenoid 153 remains OFF. When the second solenoid 152 is turned on, the second lock mechanism 142 is released. Thereby, both the 1st cover 210 and the 2nd cover 220 open. When the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are opened, the user knows that the drum cartridge 8 needs to be attached and detached. After the user removes the drum cartridge 8 and clears the paper jam, the user may attach the drum cartridge 8 and close the first cover 210 and the second cover 220.

  After step S251, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are closed (S252). In step S252, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are not closed (S252, No), the control unit 100 closes the first cover 210 and the second cover 220. Wait until.

  In step S252, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are closed (S252, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the second solenoid 152 (S253). As a result, the second lock mechanism 142 is locked, and the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are locked to the housing 2. After step S253, the process returns to step S1.

  Even in the second embodiment configured as described above, the toner cartridge 9 and the drum cartridge 8 can be easily exchanged from the image forming apparatus 1A, as in the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment described above, the image forming apparatus includes the first lock mechanism and the second lock mechanism. However, the first lock mechanism may be omitted. In this case, the control by the control unit 100 can be slightly changed. For example, the control unit 100 in the third embodiment can execute the first process, the second process, and the third process instead of the fourth process, the fifth process, and the sixth process in the first embodiment.

The first process is a process of setting the second lock mechanism to the locked state when it is determined by the first determination process that the toner cartridge replacement timing is reached.
The second process is a process for setting the second lock mechanism to the unlocked state when it is determined by the second determination process that the replacement timing of the drum cartridge is reached.
The third process is a process of setting the second lock mechanism to the unlocked state when it is determined by the third determination process that the paper is jammed.

  Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 100 in the third embodiment will be described in detail. Since Step S1 to Step S5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, a part of the description is omitted. In a state before the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the second solenoid 152 is turned off.

  In step S2, when the control unit 100 determines that it is time to replace the drum cartridge 8 (S2, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the second process and turns on the second solenoid 152 (S321). When the second solenoid 152 is turned on, the second lock mechanism 142 is released. Thereby, the user can open the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. The user may close the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 after replacing the drum cartridge.

  After step S321, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are closed (S322). In step S322, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are not closed (S322, No), the control unit 100 closes the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. Wait until.

  In step S322, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are closed (S322, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the second solenoid 152 (S323). As a result, the second lock mechanism 142 is locked, and the second cover 120 is locked to the housing 2. After step S323, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S3, when the control unit 100 determines that it is time to replace the toner cartridge 9 (S3, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the first process and keeps the second solenoid 152 OFF (step S3). S331). If the second solenoid 152 remains OFF, the second lock mechanism 142 is maintained in the locked state. Thereby, the user cannot open the second cover 120 but can open only the first cover 110. The user may close the first cover 110 after replacing the toner cartridge 9.

  After step S331, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 110 is closed (S332). In step S332, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 210 is not closed (S332, No), the control unit 100 waits until the first cover 110 is closed.

  In step S332, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 is closed (S332, Yes), the process returns to step S1.

  In step S5, when the control unit 100 determines that the paper is jammed (S5, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the third process and turns on the second solenoid 152 (S351). When the second solenoid 152 is turned on, the second lock mechanism 142 is released. 110 and the second cover 120 may be closed. After the user removes the drum cartridge 8 and clears the paper jam, the user can attach the drum cartridge 8 and close the first cover 110 and the second cover 120.

  After step S351, the control unit 100 determines whether the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are closed (S352). In step S352, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are not closed (S352, No), the control unit 100 closes the first cover 110 and the second cover 120. Wait until.

  In step S352, when the control unit 100 determines that the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 are closed (S352, Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the second solenoid 152 (S353). As a result, the second lock mechanism 142 is locked, and the second cover 120 is locked to the housing 2. After step S353, the process returns to step S1.

  Even in the third embodiment configured as described above, the toner cartridge 9 and the drum cartridge 8 can be easily exchanged from the image forming apparatus as in the first embodiment.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the first cover and the second cover that are in the unlocked state are configured to move slightly from the open position to the closed position by their own weight or a spring. The first cover and the second cover may not move.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an image forming apparatus of a monochrome laser printer is exemplified. However, the image forming apparatus may be a color image forming apparatus, may be exposed by an LED, or may be copied. It may be a machine or a multifunction machine.

  Each element of each embodiment and each modification mentioned above can be implemented combining arbitrarily.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Housing | casing 8 Drum cartridge 9 Toner cartridge 23 Opening 81 Photosensitive drum 90 Case 91 Developing roller 110 1st cover 120 2nd cover 141 1st locking mechanism 142 2nd locking mechanism 143 3rd locking mechanism 151 1st Solenoid 152 2nd solenoid 153 3rd solenoid X1 1st axis X2 2nd axis

Claims (14)

A housing having an opening;
A drum cartridge removable from the opening, the drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in an axial direction;
A toner cartridge removable from the drum cartridge, the toner cartridge having a case capable of containing toner;
A first cover rotatable about a second axis extending in the axial direction, wherein the first cover rotates between a closed position covering a part of the opening and an open position opening a part of the opening; A cover,
A second cover that is aligned with the first cover in the axial direction and is rotatable about the second shaft, the closed position covering the remaining part of the opening, and the remaining part of the opening being opened. A second cover that pivots between an open position;
With
When the first cover is in the open position and the second cover is in the open position, the drum cartridge and the toner cartridge are detachable through the opening,
When the first cover is in the open position and the second cover is in the closed position, the drum cartridge is removed from the drum cartridge through a part of the opening in a state where the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing. Allowing the toner cartridge to be attached and detached;
When the first cover is in the open position and the second cover is in the closed position, a part of the second cover comes into contact with the drum cartridge, and the casing is interposed through the part of the opening. An image forming apparatus, wherein the drum cartridge is not allowed to be attached or detached.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cover and the second cover are front covers. The image forming apparatus includes:
A second locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state in which the second cover is locked to the housing and an unlocked state in which the second cover is not locked to the housing in a state where the second cover is in the closed position; The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
The first lock mechanism capable of switching between a locked state in which the first cover in the closed position is locked to the housing and an unlocked state in which the first cover is not locked to the housing is further provided. The image forming apparatus described. The image forming apparatus includes:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a third lock mechanism capable of switching between a locked state in which the first cover is locked to the second cover and an unlocked state in which the first cover is not locked. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit,
The controller is
A first determination process for determining whether it is a replacement timing of the toner cartridge;
A first process for setting the second lock mechanism to a locked state when it is determined by the first determination process that the toner cartridge is to be replaced;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is
A second determination process for determining whether it is a replacement timing of the drum cartridge;
A second process for setting the second lock mechanism to an unlocked state when it is determined by the second determination process that the replacement timing of the drum cartridge is reached;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The controller is
A third determination process for determining whether there is a paper jam;
A third process for setting the second lock mechanism to an unlocked state when it is determined by the third determination process that a paper jam has occurred;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus executes. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit,
The controller is
A first determination process for determining whether it is a replacement timing of the toner cartridge;
A fourth process of setting the first lock mechanism to an unlocked state and the second lock mechanism to a locked state when it is determined by the first determination process that the toner cartridge is to be replaced;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The controller is
A second determination process for determining whether it is a replacement timing of the drum cartridge;
When it is determined by the second determination process that it is the replacement timing of the drum cartridge, a fifth process is performed for setting the first lock mechanism to an unlocked state and setting the second lock mechanism to an unlocked state;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: The controller is
A third determination process for determining whether there is a paper jam;
A sixth process of setting the first lock mechanism to an unlocked state and the second lock mechanism to an unlocked state when it is determined by the third determination process that a paper jam has occurred;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus executes. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit,
The controller is
A first determination process for determining whether it is a replacement timing of the toner cartridge;
A seventh process of setting the second lock mechanism to a locked state and setting the third lock mechanism to an unlocked state when it is determined by the first determination process that the toner cartridge is to be replaced;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The controller is
A second determination process for determining whether it is a replacement timing of the drum cartridge;
If it is determined by the second determination process that the replacement timing of the drum cartridge is present, an eighth process of setting the second lock mechanism to an unlocked state and setting the third lock mechanism to a locked state;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The controller is
A third determination process for determining whether there is a paper jam;
A ninth process for setting the second lock mechanism to an unlocked state and setting the third lock mechanism to a locked state when it is determined by the third determination process that a paper jam has occurred;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus executes the following.

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